Mal Pais
Villa, 3 Bedrooms + Den, 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
From $195/nt - $1150/wk - $4250/mo
Write a Review
Guest: Sue
(Wisconsin, U.S.)
Date of Stay: 02/28/12
Review Submitted: 03/09/12
My husband and I spent two weeks here in the company of two other couples. Other reviewers have described the property's beautiful setting, appointments and convenience, so I will only say "yes, it's all true!" This was our first trip to Costa Rica and staying at this property enhanced the experience immensely. Few roads on the Nicoya Peninsula are paved, and things are dusty in the dry season; but all this only increased our appreciation of the lovely lush and verdant setting of the villa, and our gratitude for the time and attention that the owners have put into making this place immaculate and beautiful. As others have indicated, Bill & Frank are the perfect hosts...providing anything and everything that you may need, but allowing you to feel as though this is truly your own home. The layout of the villa is perfect for travelling with friends, since everyone can have their own privacy, and/yet there are many spaces for gathering as well. The pool was stunnning, larger than most of the pools we saw at resorts in the area; and nothing can top the occasional visits of the howler monkeys in the surrounding trees! We saw more wildlife "at home" than anywhere. Bottom line is....if you are looking for a beautiful and serene vacation oasis on the Nicoya, this is surely it! The location provides a wonderful sense of remoteness; the hosts provide a true sense of security and support; the surroundings provide opportunities for adventure; the beach is only a few minutes away; and there are wonderful restaurants available within short drives. What could be better?!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Kent S.
(Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 02/06/12
Review Submitted: 03/18/12
Our housemates from WI have commented on how much we all enjoyed Casa Noche del Mono, and we agree; so we’ll comment on the daily issues. Our delight was waking each morning, swimming in our beautiful pool maintained by Jonathan. He came everyday to service the pool and manicure the beautiful gardens surrounding the house. Twice a week, Graciela the delightful housekeeper, made sure the house was spotless and washed our linens and towels. We bought fresh fish from Jonathan; eggs, bread, and fresh chickens from Graciela. The fish and chicken were delicious cooked on the BBQ. Daily, we did our exploring based on where we were going for lunch. Bill, our host, has an extensive list of suggestions for lunch venues. They were all A-1. Several late afternoon swims, we were entertained by many birds and howler monkeys. Evenings started with cocktails and games at 5 p.m. on the second floor Lanai. A simple dinner followed, prepared in the spacious, well-equipped kitchen and eaten on the porch by candlelight. We ended most days with a nightly swim and star-gazing. Food and drink supplies are available at markets in nearby Cobano. They all take credit cards and there is an ATM close by. This beautiful house was the centerpiece of our three week stay. There were days when we did not even leave. We thank Bill and Frank for being such gracious hosts and sharing their beautiful home with us. We look forward to seeing them next year!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Katherine
(Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 02/06/12
Review Submitted: 03/11/12
For countless reasons we anticipated our return visit to this incredible villa throughout the year and we were unbelievably excited when we arrived with good friends for a month's stay. Once again we found an exemplary property that deserves abundant accolades. First, the location is irresistible with a fantastic view of lush flora housing an active ecosystem inhabited by a delightful array of wildlife including howler monkeys and exotic birds. Imagine how exciting it is to view the moon and stars with no light pollution or watch a clan of monkeys gather and consume food in a tree adjacent to the infinity pool as you are enjoying a refreshing swim! A spectacular mountain range towers in the distance and remains a constant source of beauty from the spacious infinity pool which is considerably larger than any of the pools we saw at hotels. Second, Bill and Frank are both charming individuals and ideal hosts who absolutely succeed in providing abundant in-depth information about the local area, including suggestions for sightseeing and restaurant recommendations, and honoring a philosophy that the house belongs to the renters while they are occupying the premises which maximizes utmost privacy. This means that they are always close-at-hand when needed, but they are never ever intrusive. Third, the house is utterly charming in every regard. To find such a magnificent home with so many amenities in this remote yet exquisite location is surely a miracle. We cannot imagine anyone not falling in love with the entire experience at Noche del Mono--it is, in a word, "priceless." We are already anticipating our return next year.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Darren
(United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 01/22/12
Review Submitted: 03/19/12
Finca Noche del Mono, is different things to different people, but there can be no doubt that for those that are lucky enough to stay here, it will evoke the strongest of emotions. My family and I have stayed at Noche del Mono for three consecutive years, and will almost certainly return again next year. For us, this place is simply, Heaven on Earth. Answers to some key questions: The location of the house and supporting photographs provided by the owners are very accurate. The property is maintained and regularly cleaned to an exceptional standard. The owners are attentive, extremely helpful and available as much, or as little as is your preference. I would have no hesitation in recommending Finca Noche del Mono to a friend or relative. In fact, I have a queue of people wanted us to take them to this amazing place. Recommended activities, attractions and restaurants: The beaches of Montezuma, Hermosa & Manzanillo. For restaurants, you should ask the owners, they have suggestions to suit all tastes. Cabo Blanco (the first national park in Costa Rica) and Curu Nature Reserves are both well worth a visit. Upon arrival, the owners provide a very helpful guide of things to do and places to visit. Why have I rated this rental so highly: Friendly and helpful owners, who take the comfort and enjoyment of their guests very seriously. A rental that offers the perfect balance of peace, tranquillity and stimulation. Accommodation that is of a very high standard, Spanish colonial style but with unique characteristics, and beautifully located. Access to amazing beaches and wildlife literally on your doorstep. Exceptionally good value for money. This is possibly one of southern Nicoya Peninsula's best-kept secrets!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Family Vacationer
(Colorado)
Date of Stay: 12/22/11
Review Submitted: 02/09/12
Travel has been a passion of mine for 20 years. I have to say that Finca Noche Del Mono was the nicest, most pleasant place I have ever stayed. I was enamored first with the photos on vrbo.com, but the actual house and surroundings far surpassed my expectations. The owner, Bill, was very responsive and pleasant. He provided detailed directions from San Jose and anything else we needed during our stay. Bill was at the house to greet us warmly. We walked through the huge wooden front door and could see all the way through the house, past the pool and on to the mountains. The house is very spacious and open. Bill designed and decorated this house with the detail I would expect in an Architectural Design magazine. The tiles are handmade and several rooms had original design tiles. The colors of the house are bright and warm. The kitchen has everything you need, including spices, which I have noted many home rentals do not have. The huge veranda off the back is wonderful to sit and have morning coffee, afternoon drinks and dinner at the table set for four. The gardens are lovely, lush and well-tended. The pool is always the perfect temperature. We spent many hours swimming or just lounging in the pool watching the nearby howler monkeys and variety of birds. Bill stopped over a couple of times to ensure all was well and to see if we needed anything. His outstanding housekeeper comes in twice per week and will do your laundry and clean anything upon request. The house also comes with satellite TV and wireless internet that was surprisingly fast. I will happily continue to spend my vacations at Finca Noche Del Mono. It is the perfect place for rest and relaxation, a family reunion, friends to reunite, several couples to travel or to enjoy time with your loved one(s). The house is clean, well kept-up, comfortable and most of all peaceful. I highly, highly recommend Finca Noche Del Mono for your next vacation!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Mike
(California)
Date of Stay: 07/28/11
Review Submitted: 08/23/11
WoW!!!!!!!!!! I stayed here for a week last month....awesome!!!! Bill was a great host and was always there when we needed something! Can't recommend it highly enough!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Brian
(Denver)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11
Review Submitted: 06/23/11
Our family (including three kids - 9, 7, and 4) stayed at Noche del Mono for five nights in June. As the other reviewers have noted, the house is fantastic - it's impossible to convey how beautiful the place is through photographs. We ended up spending half of our time in the house, the other half exploring the area. The jungle comes to your window and doorstep - literally - so you can spend as much time at the beach as you want and not feel that you're missing out on the wildlife experience. In fact, the forest really comes alive at night, an experience you'd miss on a day-tour. Bill, of course, was a great host - he's intuitive, and customizes his tips and advice to the needs of his guests. He helped us maximize our time and avoid tourist traps. The location of the house is excellent: Cobano, about ten minutes away, is the only "full service" town in the area; Playa Manzanillo, just 10 minutes away, was the kids' favorite, and had a nice beachfront restaurant/bar that we enjoyed at day's end. Noche de Mono is perfect if you're looking for a great place to spend a big chunk of your vacation time; if want to keep the more tourist-centered areas at arms-length (yet still be able to drive to Santa Teresa and Montezuma, both within 20-25 minutes); and if you want to explore a variety of beaches, waterfalls, and towns from a centralized location. It's an an ideal mix of privacy and convenience.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Katherine
(Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 02/14/11
Review Submitted: 04/04/11
My husband and I have been seeking vacation sanctuaries around the world for nearly half a century. After our three-week stay (mid-February-early March) at Casa Noche del Mono, we declared it the "best of the best." Several key features account for this exceptional ranking. First, Bill and Frank are ideal hosts who offer abundant information, including maps and detailed narratives, about the local/regional area and activities that are available. They provide utmost privacy and seclusion for guests and yet they are immediately available if needed. Without their suggestions we never would have been able to find and explore a number of fascinating sites such as remote beaches that are not widely publicized. Second, Marvin the gardener, Sonia the housekeeper, and Josue their 10-year old son add so much to the experience by sharing information about the adjacent gardens and jungle and by graciously extending their help at every turn. Third, the indescribably beautiful house glimmers with understated elegance and yet is comfortable in every corner. We loved preparing meals in the state-of-the-art kitchen and then enjoying them at a candle-lit table situated on the lanai which has a sweeping view of the jungle framed by mountains. Breathtaking! We also were enraptured by the ways the house invites the outside to be present inside by providing multiple balconies with comfortable seating and a rooftop terrace where we began each morning, coffee in hand, gazing at the incredible view and watching the lush environment awaken to the day. Fourth, the infinity pool is a private aquatic wonderland with the best views of all. We eagerly entered the pool the evening we arrived and my husband exclaimed, "This is the most refreshing moment of my adult life." Thereafter we swam several times daily and invariably ended the day under a star-lit sky, especially dramatic because there is no light pollution here. Fifth, we enjoyed the people in the nearby communities who seemed so eager to help us enjoy our time in Costa Rica. Bill and Frank pointed us in the direction of a number of outstanding restaurants where, for a surprisingly modest price, we enjoyed memorable meals. In sum, we enthusiastically recommend this property because we truly believe that it is the "best of the best." We are already booked for next year and four friends will be joining us!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Manzanita
(Nevada City, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/27/11
Review Submitted: 03/03/11
From the moment you walk down the stone cobble walkway, past the giant stand of bamboo, and the blooming pink Gingers.. Through the huge wooden doors that are flanked by blooming orange and yellow Heliconia...And enter beneath the Moorish domed entry..And look straight through the main hallway, and out the beautiful wrought iron doors to a view of a huge terrace, then an infinity pool that is to die for, bordered by blooming Bougainvillas of all colors, to the rainforest beyond and then the Cerro Frio mountains in the distance ... It takes your breath away . Every room is painted the most glorious color with muted color tile floors . Each bedroom has it's own terrace (or terraces), that is totally private and surrounded by blooming vines or fruiting bananas or giant mango trees. The kitchen is very well stocked with pots and pans ETC. All that you need to actually cook .(hard to find in a rental usually). There are many nooks to hide out in and read a good book, or relax in a hammock, that you will never feel crowded even with lots of people. The entire house is an Ecclectic collection of fabulous art and artifacts. The house is elegant but very comfortable. Bill and Frank, the owners, do everything they can to make you feel welcomed. They were both so helpful and gracious and fun to be around. Marvin, the caretaker, was also wonderful. He shared what he knew about edible plants and about birds and politics and all kinds of things. He made a big difference in our stay at Noche del Mono. Turst me, life doesn't get any better than at Casa Noche del Mono.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Jeri
(Mundelein, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/19/10
Review Submitted: 01/16/11
The photos you have been drooling over do not do justice to the beauty of this house, and it's peaceful and tranquil location. From the glorious pool, to the fabulous kitchen and comfortable bedrooms it is the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. With plenty of room to spread out you won't ever feel like you are on top of each other. Enjoy the wildlife that comes to visit each day by the pool. Whether floating in the pool, relaxing on the veranda or taking advantage of the private outdoor spaces, it all adds up to a Costa Rican paradise. We didn't want to leave and can't wait to go back.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Brad S.
(Portland, Maine, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/19/10
Review Submitted: 02/19/11
My family took a week long vacation over Thanksgiving and stayed at this little bit of paradise in the jungles of Costa Rica! It was wonderful, and I would highly recommend it to any friend, family or you. I believe the pictures do not do the property justice, as it is more beautiful in real life. Our hosts go out of their way to make the holiday easy and carefree, offering their advice and assistance as requested or required! The property is spotlessly clean (but know that you are living in an open air home, so some jungle friends do visit!). Be patient in getting there - it is somewhat remote - and be prepared with a four wheel drive vehicle. But once you do get there, be ready for one of the surprises of your life. As I write this, I am now eager to go back.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Guest: Colorado Traveller
(Dolores, CO/ USA)
Date of Stay: 08/18/10
Review Submitted: 10/30/10
We couldn't have asked for anything more! We have 4 kids -- ages 6, 7, 8, and 9 -- and we planned a 2 1/2 week trip to Costa Rica this past summer. Needless to say, we needed to rent a house with a swimming pool! We are frequent visitors to Costa Rica, especially the Malpais area, and were very pleased to find this amazing house on the internet. My husband and I checked out the house when we went down in March, and were absolutely astonished with how beautiful it was, and so we booked it for August with the kids, and believe me, it did not disappoint!! Bill and Frank, the owners, could not have been more helpful in so many ways. As it was the rainy season, we ended up spending a fair amount of time at the house on rainier days - which was an absolute joy!! Bill made sure that he checked with us before he went up to Cobano for groceries, and always picked up anything we needed. The house itself -- toucans, howler monkeys so close in the trees, frog eggs on flowers, green iguanas... just so beautiful and interesting and comfortable. Even on the occasional rainy day, there was so much room that we never felt cramped or cooped up. The house is so large and comfortable that even with 2 adults and 4 kids there was plenty of room to escape. We will definitely be back!!! Thank you so much, Bill and Frank!!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Surfing Family from Florida
(Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/08/10
Review Submitted: 06/20/10
Breathtaking, comes to mind when I think back to our first sunny morning in this gracious home. A warm welcome and a glass of wine awaited us following a very long travel day with three children. Imagine our delight when all expectations were exceeded at the end of our journey that included car, air, ferry and Costa Rican dirt roads. My children's surf instructor who joined us for the trip pulled me aside instantly and said it was the most beautiful home he had ever entered, what a great way to start a vacation! From the moment of arrival, our hosts Bill and Frank could not have been more kind or accommodating. Their visits to the property were anticipated and welcome as we always had a running list of questions that needed answers. Simple directions or more complicated requests were given thoughtful response. Additionally, the caretakers, Marvin and Sonia were lovely. The language barrier between us was more entertainment than problematic. Although we were on a family surfing vacation, we chose to stay a short drive from the beach to experience all this gorgeous countryside has to offer. What a great decision! Butterflies, Monkeys, Giant Frogs and Birds greeted us each morning poolside as we absorbed majestic sunrises over the mountains. We became early risers as we could not wait to enjoy our time at the house before loading up our boards and heading down to Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen for a full day of great waves. Our favorite spot in the home was the private sitting porch upstairs off the kitchen. Always cool and breezy with inviting chaise lounges and an amazing view. We designated this area "off limits" to children and indulged in hours of relaxing and reading selections from the extensive library provided. I could not be happier with the experience we had at this home in Costa Rica. In fact, we extended our stay as our hosts had a few days between guests. Clean, safe, private, spacious, secluded, tasteful and a cute little restaurant down the road .................. what more could you ask for in a vacation rental?! A little slice of heaven:)
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: leslie4199
(new orleans, la usa)
Date of Stay: 04/29/10
Review Submitted: 05/26/10
My husband and I stayed here for a long weekend. We have traveled to Costa Rica for the last 8 years and this home, by far, made this past visit one of the best. The house is so special...you feel like royalty here. All at home conveinances at your finger tips and a view from heaven overlooking the infinity pool. Bill has a great music selection too, and listening to world music while chopping fresh avocados for the guacamole on a cool evening is a memory I wont forget!Manzanillo is a great choice to get off the beaten track and away from the touristy bustle of Santa Teresa. Empty beaches and local, small tipico places to eat. We invited our family to join us and it was perfect for 4 adults and one 12 year old. More than enough room! While sun bathing a monkey came down one of the many fruit trees on the property and ate a cas not even 4 feet from me. This place is perfect for families, romantics, and small gatherings of good friends. I cant say enough about their hospitality and their house that is truly a piece of art! THANKS SO MUCH! We will hope to visit again next year!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Cal Visitor
(Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10
Review Submitted: 06/03/10
This house is amazing!! Eight of us went for a week and stayed in the house during Mid-April. We arrived by ferry and were greeted by a family of Howler Monkey's in the trees along with the owner Bill. We walked into this beautiful entrance of palms to find this huge fountain and surreal looking Spanish style home. The design of the home provides each bedroom with an incredible amount of privacy. Every morning we woke up, put on our bathing suits and sat in the pool. If you are a fitness nut you could even do a few laps. The scenery is beautiful and so peaceful with the exception of the occasional frog or gecko. The house is tucked away with a mountain view but the perfect distance from Manzanillo, Santa Theresa, Playa Hermosa, and Mal Pais (10-30 minutes drive). Bill and his staff are awesome and they take care of everything including fresh fruit from the garden every day, clean laundry, and if you need it, they can even set up day excursions. We were able to negotiate a fishing trip for 5 people for 200 US and took home enough Tuna to feed eight people for three nights. There is a full kitchen with all of the necessities if you are up for cooking. Not feeling comfortable with your language skills? Don't worry because this area of Costa Rica was extremely easy to get around with or without fluent Spanish. Overall, if you are looking for a dream spot for a family vacation, honeymoon, or to get away with a group of friends this is definitely the BEST place in the area. Trust me I spent hours looking for a place and this one definitely exceeded my expectations. If you are feeling adventurous and want to save some money I would take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera rather than the flight from Tambor. All together it took us about 4-5 hours to drive from the airport in San Jose, take the ferry, and drive through the Peninsula to get to the house. For those that prefer a more direct route you can take a flight from San Jose to Tambor then drive about 1 hour.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Albert from CT
(CT)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10
Review Submitted: 04/22/10
As the title says.. these people have created one of the most beautiful rentals that I have ever stayed at. The scenery off the back pool area is second to none. They have all the amenities, total privacy, and the atmosphere and comfort level at the place is awesome. So glad I was able to stay there. If you stay at this place you will not regret it one bit!! Happy vacationing!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: wandajune
(mass.)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10
Review Submitted: 04/18/10
this most beautiful house, guest house , and pool shouldn't be missed if you are considering costa rica. it is 10 minutes from the beach and beautiful walks and swimming , but it is hard to tear yourself away from the wrap around porch, the third floor terrace overlooking acres of lush greenery usually containing a troop of howler monkeys and a toucan or two eating the bananas supplied by the owners, for every ones enjoyment . the owners were friendly and helpful, wanting to make sure your stay was more than enjoyable. treat your selves , you will be glad you did !!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: knodt
(Cambridge MA)
Date of Stay: 03/02/10
Review Submitted: 04/17/10
I just returned from a 2 week vacation in the Noche del Mono house in Costa Rica and it was the best vacation I've ever had. As I lay in bed in the morning, the birds and monkeys were just outside my room making it a joy to greet the day! I went to Costa Rica hoping to get in touch with nature and I did just that: long walks in the early morning, horse back riding on the beach, swimming along quiet beaches, observing birds in the luxurious infinity pool which overlooks the mountains. The house is like a museum: full of fascinating and beautiful artifacts from all over the world and the casita is a small treasure, a joy to be in such a simply charming house in the middle of nature. The attention to detail in the rooms and the grounds is wonderful. You have a sense that these buildings have been there for many many years and that they really belong in this environment. The owners are attentive to one's needs and questions. The amenities offered make your stay there very comfortable, from cable tv to thick towels, to a collection of good books. You are close to several small, delicious and inexpensive restaurants as well as to several towns, like Montezuma, which offer a great variety of eating and shopping establishments. I would recommend Noche del Mono to anyone interested in a peaceful vacation in a beautiful, natural environment.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Susan Menahem
(Asbury Park, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 02/08/10
Review Submitted: 02/08/10
What an amazing trip we had and Noche Del Mono, Bill and Frank were the reasons! We actually felt like we were living in an episode of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"! Accommodations were top notch, the pictures on the web site does not do this amazing villa justice at all!!! From the views, to the tranquil sounds of the fountains, to the amazing decor, to the fabulous kitchen, we felt at home and well taken care of. We didn't have to go anywhere to see the nature and wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer because it was all right there at our front door. Bill and Frank took care of everything for us. They helped us with hiring a taxi, they made horseback riding reservations for us, they told us where some of the best restaurants and beaches were and made us feel very taken care of. We will certainly be back!!! Hurry up and reserve time in this amazing vacation villa, you'll really be missing out if you don't.
Recommended for:
Guest: Hoda Ballantine
(Cabin John, MD)
Date of Stay: 01/13/10
Review Submitted: 01/13/10
We had a terrific stay. The Villa is absolutely beautiful, the location, nature, exotic animals, all the comforts, plus amazing hosts!! Can't wait to go back. The beaches nearby are fantastic, there is so much to see, and explore. We went with 5 of our kids who are all in different colleges. They were disconnected form cell phones, laptops etc., we saw them interact as family, and they enjoyed every bit of the trip. I highly recommend this beautiful villa, and it's amazing location, couldn't say enough about the hosts, and their wonderful staff.
Recommended for:
Guest: Darren Hanton
(Essex, UK)
Date of Stay: 01/07/10
Review Submitted: 01/07/10
Being frequent visitors to Cost Rica, and having spent many hours researching houses and villas for our stay this year (2009) – our expectations for ‘Noche del Mono’ were already very high. We were not disappointed!My family and I spent a week at the main house, 6 adults in total.The house is styled to a Spanish colonial look, standing amongst 25 acres of beautiful lush green tropical vegetation. The back of the property has a spectacular uninterrupted view of the forest, bleeding gently into the distant mountain range.On entering the house, you are immediately struck by its large internal spaces and the unique character of its individual design. Packed with interesting features and rooms to explore; this house continually stimulated our senses.We particularly enjoyed the charming rooftop terrace: ideal for breakfast, evening cocktails or some amazing stargazing. The infinity swimming pool was superb and put to good use on most days.By far the most attractive appeal of this house is its private location and intimate connection with the surrounding countryside. Built sympathetically within its environment, the house plays host to a multitude of different animals, insects and birds. The house was ideal for our purpose, offering privacy and seclusion when required but with good access to some terrific beaches and the small town of Cobano. It is worth mentioning that the 30-minute drive from Cobano to the house is by dirt-track road and should only be attempted with a 4x4!Our stay at ‘Noche del Mono’ was made even more special by the wonderful hospitality, helpful advice and friendship extended to us by the owners, Bill and Frank.‘Noche del Mono’ surpassed all of our expectations and we are already looking forward to a return visit. We particularly recommend this place for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing retreat. 10/10
Recommended for:
Guest: Kim Freeman
(Landrum, SC)
Date of Stay: 03/29/09
Review Submitted: 03/29/09
This was the most wonderful house we've stayed in in Costa Rica with the most wonderful hosts. The caretakers, Marvin, Sonia and their little boy Josue were great people. The pool, living areas and bedrooms and baths were great for our family of six. We had a blast and saw every bird and animal in Costa Rica while visiting here. Thanks to Bill and Frank.
Recommended for:
Guest: Tamara Behner
(North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/28/09
Review Submitted: 03/28/09
We have been renting homes in Costa Rica for eight years and this home is by far the most incredible,hospitable,relaxing yet adventurous place we have stayed.The wildlife is so abundant we danced with the Howler monkeys daily,rode quads to the beaches and were able to see shooting stars from the rooftop terrace at night.The owners gave us the best of all vacation worlds at this marvel of a home.From a super family gathering to just chill'in at the pool you have it all at Noche Del Mono.
Recommended for:
Guest: Debbie Frank
(Akron, Oh )
Date of Stay: 01/08/09
Review Submitted: 01/08/09
WOW..the pictures on the website cannot capture the beauty of this jungle property. Beautifully decorated and meticulously cared for, Bill and Frank's home made us feel like royalty. Our family (there were 7 of us) loved being able to cook and entertain ourselves each morning and night on the beautiful outdoors veranda and porch. The sounds of the howler monkeys in the morning and at night were an extra treat to wake up and end the evening with. Our coati friend, squaking parrots, iguanas, and Senor froad (not sure if he was a frog or toad) added to the ambiance of the jungle experience. The beautiful and less visited beaches of Manzanillo and St. Theresa make this a very special place for the first time (or frequent in our case) visitor to Costa Rica. We will definitely be back. Bill and Frank are most gracious hosts and made us feel welcome and comfortable in their beautiful home. I would highly recommend this property to anyone who wants to experience Pura Vida!
Recommended for:
Guest: Anne Davis1
(Asheville, NC)
Date of Stay: 01/02/09
Review Submitted: 01/02/09
An oasis in the jungle would be the best way to describe this villa. The home is beautiful and immaculate as are the grounds and pool. Wildlife is everywhere - howler monkeys, coati, birds, iguanas. Plenty of spots to relax - the rooftop deck is amazing. The three separate bedroom suites were all fabulous with their own private balconies. Bill and Frank, the owners, were WONDERFUL. They made us feel so welcome and were a wealth of knowledge. Marvin was nice enough to take us on a hike through the jungle which was one of the highlights of our stay. We didn't want to leave! So, if you want a unique vacation in a gorgeous location, this is the place to come. We are definitely planning on coming back.
Recommended for:
Guest: Barbara Benson
(Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 12/17/08
Review Submitted: 12/17/08
Returning home after a 2 month Sabbatical traveling to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico we must comment that our stay at this amazing Villa was a highlight. The home itself is very comfortable (all the western conveniences) and absolutely beautiful.From furnishings to decor this home is special. Bill and Frank, the owners, are exceptionally kind and helpful and made every effort to provide us with information or services when needed. We were thrilled with the jungle setting as we daily enjoyed visits from a clan of 10 or so Howler monkeys and were delighted by the care and effort that has gone into the lush gardens. The fresh water pool was especially nice, always clean and well tended. This home is certainly the place to stay if you are going to be visiting this area. We undoubtedly will return one day!
Recommended for:
Guest: Scott B.
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/21/08
Review Submitted: 07/21/08
My wife and 2 boys (7 and 13) stayed at this beautiful Casa. This house actually made the trip. After an adventerous day of exploring, it was great to be able to come back to Casa Noche del Mono and get a way from it all. An infinity pool with howling monkeys and toucans, a great kitchen to cook the fish that we caught the 2nd day, sky satelite TV for the kids, the fountains inside the house, Bill and Frank being incredible hosts, and Marvin - taking us for an eco tour around the 25 acres of the property, made this vacation the best for our family. It was way better than described on VRBO. We will be back next year. Scott, Jeanette, Tay and Blake...
Recommended for:
Guest: Lisa Calise
(Cedar Parl/Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/07/08
Review Submitted: 07/07/08
My husband and I stayed here with our two children and my teenage sister in June of 2008. Where do I begin?!?!? The pictures do not even begin to do this property justice! Not only was I in awe of it's natural beauty and surroundings, but the home itself was beautiful and very comfortable. Add to that the hosts/owners were so friendly and welcoming. Their home was our home away from home and they made every effort to make sure our stay was enjoyable. The pool was magical as it overlooked the mountains and lush gardens and almost every day we awoke to the howler monkeys. I would highly recommend this property to anyone who is looking for a truly relaxing vacation, but still have all the adventure of the outdoor activities, ocean and good restaurants in close proximity. Thanks Bill and Frank, we miss you...Pura Vida!!
Recommended for: